Artificial Intelligence tools will be rolled out in schools across South Lanarkshire.

At the education resources committee meeting on Tuesday (May 21), it was revealed that generative AI tools will now be used in education across the area following an extensive engagement phase with stakeholders, teachers and parents.

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Councillor Katy Loudon (Cambuslang East), welcomed the plans and the potential of AI in education.

She said: “This is a really fascinating report. Obviously in terms of hot takes in the media and press around AI in education it tends to focus on plagiarism, which is a concern a lot of institutions have, I hope that when we get something back it will reflect the interesting and exciting stuff pupils can do with it as well.”

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that is designed to generate new, original content autonomously, and this includes texts, images, music, videos, conversations and computing code.

A range of research into implementing the technology has taken place including setting up a working group at Uddingston Grammar school to produce draft guidance for teachers and learners, involving the parent council, to engage with the work of the group and undertaking staff training. 

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A pilot is also currently underway with sixth year students in the use of Generative AI, and this is being closely monitored to inform future steps of using the programme. 

A draft guidance document for schools has been produced and will serve as an initial support, it will be reviewed and updated regularly, and South Lanarkshire Education Resources will continue to liaise with all parties at a local, regional and national level, reviewing guidance and support as required.